If you are related to someone with an addiction, or if you have an addiction yourself, you may be concerned about whether addiction can be passed on through genetics.
In this guide, we’re going to be explaining the connection between addiction and genetics as well as other factors that contribute to the development of an addiction.
Can Genetics Influence Addiction?
Yes, a number of studies have found a correlation between hereditary factors and addiction.
In fact, it is estimated that hereditary and genetic factors make up roughly 50-75% of the causes of substance abuse and addiction, meaning that if someone has certain genes they are more likely to display addictive behaviours.
Genetic and hereditary factors that can influence the likelihood of addiction include:
Smaller Amygdala
Individuals with a smaller amygdala (cluster of almond-shaped cells located near the base of the brain) are more at risk of developing addictions.
This is because the amygdala helps to define and regulate emotions and smaller amygdala can result in increased negative emotional states- a large factor that drives dependence on substances.
Certain Genes
Individuals with certain genes (or lack thereof) are more likely to develop addictions. For example, those without a serotonin receptor gene are at greater risk for addictions to alcohol and cocaine.
This is because without the ability to receive normal levels of serotonin (the happy hormone), individuals are more likely to seek out unnatural highs from drugs and alcohol. Find out more about our private alcohol rehab and private drug rehab.
Family Members with Addictions
Individuals with parents and grandparents who have had an addiction are more likely to develop addictive tendencies.
In fact, studies have found that individuals with first-degree relatives (e.g. a sibling, parent, or child) with a history of addiction are between 4 to 8 times more likely to develop problems with addiction themselves than those who do not have a family member with an addiction.
Family Members with Mental Health Illnesses
Individuals with parents and grandparents with mental health illnesses are more at risk of developing an addiction.
Common mental health issues that have been found in connection with addiction include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- PTSD
- Schizophrenia
What Other Types of Factors Affect the Likelihood of Addiction?
Environmental factors can also increase the likelihood of developing an addiction, though studies have found that hereditary influences have a greater chance of resulting in addiction.
Environmental influences include:
Trauma at an Early Age
Individuals who have experienced trauma at an early age are more likely to develop an addiction later in life.
Growing Up Alongside People with Addictions
Individuals who have grown up alongside people with addictions are at a greater risk of developing addiction due to learned attitudes towards alcohol/drugs and coping methods.
High Stress Levels
Individuals experiencing high levels of stress caused by factors such as losing a loved one, getting fired from a job, financial issues or health issues are more at risk of developing an addiction.
Are There Ways to Prevent Addiction if You or Someone You’re Related to are More at Risk?
If you are concerned that you or a relative is at an increased risk of developing an addiction, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk.
To begin with, you need to learn what addictive tendencies are. If you know about the causes and early signs of addiction, you’ll be better prepared to notice addictive behaviours in yourself or someone you know.
It’s also important to identify any possible triggers and do your best to avoid them.
One of the most important ways to avoid addiction is to take care of your body and mind both physically and mentally. Practice self care, maintain a balanced diet, do some exercise and get plenty of sleep.
How to Get Support for an Addiction?
If you are worried that either you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please don’t hesitate to seek help and get in touch with our team at Acquiesce for a confidential consultation to discuss how we can help at our addiction rehabilitation centre.
